During World Autism Awareness Week, the Advertiser met Emma, who wants to challenge typical stereotypes associated with autism.

The performance artist, originally from Norbury but now living in Forestdale, said: "There's still a tonne of assumptions and stereotypes about autistic people.

"Some of them include that it's only boys who have autism. There's also a stereotype that autistic people lack empathy, but I've read a few studies that say autistic people just experience it differently."

"Also, it seems like there's no such thing as a queer, autistic person."

Identifying as gender-fluid, or non-binary, means Emma does not specifically identify as male or female.

Because of this Emma uses the term queer, to describe individuals who experience fluidity in their experience of sexuality or gender, and do not specifically identify as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender).

Because of this, Emma said the preferred pronoun use is "they".

Emma said: "I was born a girl according to what my body is, but I identify as gender fluid. Some days I'm very feminine and others I'm quite masculine. It's always been a big part of my life on some level.

"At 13 I thought I was gay, and I remember crying to my mum for hours about it. But I think I really identified who I was when I was 19.

"I say I'm bisexual for ease, but it is a bit more complex than that. I am still coming out almost all the time in various circumstances, or jobs, or social situations.

"I do not always come out as both queer and autistic, but almost everyone has been OK with it in disabled friendly circles.

"It really doesn't matter, it shouldn't be a big deal."

Emma attended Limpsfield Grange, a special educational needs school in Surrey. Emma said when growing up they did not really encounter any other LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) autistic people.

"I think a lot of people who are autistic are often desexualised," Emma added.

"I personally don't know of very much [support for LGBTQ autistic people] but it maybe takes some digging around to find it."

After finishing school, Emma left Croydon to attend Liverpool John Moores University to study languages.

Now, Emma works as a performance artist, but still sometimes encounters surprised reactions from people when saying they're an actress and autistic.

"Part of me wants to say that people think we're all either Rain Man or just non-verbal, when, really, it's a really intimate spectrum.

"When I have come out as autistic and people say, 'oh yes, well I've heard people [who are autistic] can lead normal lives'.

"It's annoying, it's not something which is that binary.

"The way I see it is you could have a member of Mensa (the high IQ society) that communicates through an iPad, or relies on their carer.

"And then you could have someone of average, or less-than average intelligence who passes as neuro-typical and communicates very well."

As part of World Autism Awareness Week, Croydon Council will be encouraging those who live and work in Croydon to understand more about autism through a free e-learning course.

Croydon autism champion Councillor Andrew Rendle's two children have the condition and he is also keen to challenge existing stereotypes.

He said: "The big myths about autistic people are 'they can't hold down a job', 'it's only kids who have autism', 'they can't show empathy' or 'it's only boys'.

"All rubbish. I have three amazing children. The youngest two are autistic and they have introduced me to a fascinating world.

"Awareness of autism is very high but too many people just think of Rain Man or Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. It's the understanding that has to be worked on.

"Many autistic people say the biggest help for them would be simple awareness and understanding, so please go and do our brilliant e-learning course - it's free to anyone who lives or works in Croydon and takes no time at all to complete."

Emma has said a big part of being able to get into the performing arts world, and meet others with autism, was through their involvement with Access All Areas, a theatre company for people with learning disabilities.

This, Emma says, was a great way to meet others and discover mutual interests.

Emma explained: "Finding a space where you are accepted for yourself is important, but I know that is not always easy. For me, it was Access All Areas, for others it could be a club. There's plenty out there for you."

When Emma speaks to other people who are autistic, the message is to stay true to who they are.

Emma said: "Keep being you. Hopefully other people will get it soon, things are moving along.

"There will always be people who grind you down, but the best thing to do is to look after yourself as best as possible."

Emma added: "Some things I suppose I do differently than others, but I like to think of myself as not that different.